Dental Jurisprudence Is the science dealing with law applied to dentistry

Dental Jurisprudence Includes : Professional liability Professional incorporation Other legal aspects of the practice of dentistry

Malpractice (Negligence) Professional Negligence

Negligence The failure to use due care Or The lack of due care

Prevention The best defense against malpractice

Prevention includes the following: I- Silence is golden: a- the DA must never make critical remarks about dental tx done by the dentist b- the DA should never discuss pts

II- Consent: a- When a pt enter the dental clinic he gives implied consent, at least for the dental examination b- The pt must have the ability to give consent c- written consent preferable than verbal consent

III- Records a- all pt records should be written in ink, accurate, complete, detailed and up to date at all times b- these records should be handled and protected as a valuable document c- Ideal records which are acceptable in court, will clearly and legibly show the date and the services provided for each pt

III- Records d- Records should show the complete tx done for the pt to indicate that nothing was neglected e- All charts, diagnosis, radiographs, consent, forms, dated medical histories, carbon copies of medical and laboratory prescription should be filed in the pt ’ s record folder

III- Records f- Records should include notation of any broken appointments or last minute cancellation g- if the pt discontinues tx, the records should indicate the decision

IV- Radiographs a- these are important diagnostic aids and legal safeguards b- if the pt refuses radiographs; a notation of this and signed by the pt should be included in his report c- the dentist legally owns the radiographs and they should be retained with the pt ’ s record. If necessary a duplicate may be given

V- Care of instruments a- all instrument must be sterilized carefully b- all instruments and equipment should be maintained in perfect working order c- all instruments should show NO signs of blood, rust, or excessive wear